ISLAMABAD: Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Faez Isa has issued a lengthy statement, justifying his presence in National Assembly’s hall at the Golden Jubilee of 1973 constitution and clarifying misconceptions when political statements were made, but some objected to the judge’s presence and seating.
In his explanatory letter, copy of which is available with MM News, Justice Faez Isa wrote that all the Judges of the Supreme Court were invited to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (the Constitution’).
جسٹس فائز عیسیٰ نے وضاحتی بیان جاری کردیا pic.twitter.com/93stdgc3MK
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Prior to accepting the invitation, he wrote, “inquiries were made as to whether there would be political speeches, and assurances were extended that only the Constitution and its making would be spoken about; the programme sent to me also confirmed this.”
“Having cleared this point, first by my st. from the Deputy Director of the National Assembly, and then by me threctly with the Speaker, I accepted the invitation as I wanted to show solidarity with the Constitution,” he added.
“I had been asked if I would like to speak and I had declined. However, when political statements were made (in a few of the speeches), I requested to speak to correct any misconceptions that may arise, and I did so.”
“Surprisingly, some have objected to where I sat and/or my presence at the function to commemorate the Constitution. I would have preferred to sit in the hall on one side or in the gallery, but respect was shown to a member of the judiciary by seating me at the centre; I did not choose to sit there,” he wrote.
His explanation about the optics of seating choice came in response to criticism from both the legal community and civil society, who were concerned about his seating alongside Asif Zardari, with whom he had a famous ‘memogate’ hearing, and Ishaq Dar, whose case regarding the Hudaibiya Papers Mills was closed by him.
He said the Constitution was unanimously enacted by the peoples’ directly elected representatives at all ends political spectrum, which testified to their sagacity. It affirmed the Founder’s motto of achieving success; Unity, Faith and Discipline, adding that the it established that even the most intractable problems can be solved with sincerity and motivation when the peoples’ interest is kept paramount.
“I may add that the elected representatives of the people are deserving of all respect. Without the politicians of the All India Muslim League we would not have gained independence. The organizers of the Convention had invited all to commemorate a singularly important day in Pakistan’s history. The Golden Jubilee of the Constitution is a celebration of all citizens; it is not the exclusive domain of any particular political party or institution. The significance of the Constitution must be impressed upon all, and this should be done continuously,” he added.
“When Pakistan did not have a constitution enacted by the directly elected representatives of the people, the country broke apart. The lingering mistake was finally rectified 50 years ago and the peoples’ fundamental rights were recognized and enshrined in the Constitution. The salvation of all Pakistanis lies in adherence to the Constitution,” the SC judge wrote, adding that citizens are best served if seeds of discord are not planted. The making of the Constitution is one of the greatest moments in our history, which should be celebrated.
